Whether people in Texas are traveling home from work or going out for dinner, driving in the dark may be inevitable. Many people do not realize the hidden dangers of navigating the roadways once the sun sets.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, deadly car accidents occur more frequently at nighttime. There are several factors that contribute to the increase in nighttime motor fatalities.
Lack of natural light
A lack of natural sunlight can affect drivers’ depth perception, peripheral vision and color contrast. When turning into traffic, it is difficult to judge the speed and distance of an oncoming vehicle. Furthermore, it is harder to make out objects in the dark. Drivers over the age of 60 years old need twice as much light to see accurately in the dark, as reported by the American Optometric Association.
Too much light can also cause a driving issue by creating driver blindness. Headlight blindness occurs when drivers look directly into oncoming headlights. This can make it hard to see for several minutes afterward.
Dangerous drivers
While distracted, drunk and drowsy drivers are dangerous during the day, the problem becomes compounded at night. There are more dangerous drivers on the road at night and those drivers are less likely to see and react properly to other motorists. Nighttime drivers should avoid all distractions, including fidgeting with the radio, manipulating a cell phone or even using voice-activated technology.
Ways to stay safe
There are several things drivers can do to stay safe at night. People should:
- Be cautious and ready to respond to other drivers and/or objects in the road
- Ensure their headlights are clear and working properly
- Get plenty of rest and avoid drowsy driving
Drivers should take their time and avoid speeding. Driving safely at night may help to prevent a catastrophic car accident.
